Southwood Lands.
Vital step in redeveloping Southwood Lands taken
A board of directors, chaired by Robert (Bob) Silver [BSc/70], has been appointed by the Board of Governors to UM Properties GP Inc., which will lead the development of the Southwood Lands (a former golf course adjacent to the Fort Garry campus) into a vibrant, mixed-use, transit-centred neighbourhood.
Silver, a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient of the University of Manitoba, is president and co-owner of Western Glove Works, a Winnipeg based manufacturer of casual apparel; co-owner of clothing chain Warehouse One; and co-owner of the Winnipeg Free Press and the Brandon Sun newspapers. As the former chair of the University of Manitoba’s Smartpark, he played an integral role in developing this successful innovation and technology park.
The other directors of UM Properties GP Inc., include: Rick Adams, David Barnard, Steve Demmings, Bob Ellard, Diane Gray, and Lynn Zapshala-Kelln. The directors will ensure Southwood Lands’ development aligns with the principles articulated in the Visionary (re)Generation Master Plan, creating an outstanding learning and work environment, and forging connections that foster high impact community engagement.
“This mixed-use development will be a jewel in our city, attracting Winnipeggers alongside tourists, students and staff. Our goal is to transform this sector of the Fort Garry campus into a vibrant, environmentally-sustainable hub that will serve as an ideal example of a live-work-learn-play community,” said David Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Manitoba.
Brief biographies of the directors serving alongside Mr. Silver:
Rick Adams
An alumnus of the University of Manitoba in Arts and Law, Mr. Adams [BA/69, LLB/72] is a lawyer and Partner with Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP. In the course of his career he has worked on major development projects, including the development of the Forks.
Bob Ellard
An alumnus of the University of Manitoba in Architecture, Mr. Ellard [BES/70, MArch/73] is a 40-year veteran of the design and architecture industry with experience in both the corporate and post-secondary educational sectors.
Diane Gray
An alumna of the University of Manitoba in political studies and public administration, Ms. Gray [BA/93, MPAdmin/96] is a recognized leader with extensive experience in business and real estate development, trade, intergovernmental relations and finance. She is the founding President & CEO of CentrePort Canada Inc.
David Barnard
Dr. Barnard has served as President of the University of Manitoba since July 2008. From 2005-2008 he was chief operating officer of iQmetrix, an IT company, and prior to this he was President of the University of Regina.
Lynn Zapshala-Kelln
Ms. Zapshala-Kelln has served as Vice-President (Administration) of the University of Manitoba since June 2017. As a Chartered Professional Accountant, she served in the senior ranks of the Province of Manitoba civil service for almost two decades, most recently as Secretary to the Treasury Board.
Steve Demmings
Mr. Demmings [MCP/78] is an alumnus of the University of Manitoba in City Planning and is the founding CEO of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission. He has served Winnipeg in a number of ways including the City of Winnipeg Board of Adjustment, Heritage Winnipeg, the Fort Whyte Foundation and the Downtown BIZ.
My wish is for this new Board to embrace the high value of the natural assets of the Southwood Lands. By keeping as many of the mature healthy trees as possible, and adding some native grasses, this area has the promise of a truly “green” development, a place where people want to stay.
I would like to see the Southwood Lands be a mix of housing for persons who have been associated with the University over the years and green space for all to enjoy.